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United Kingdom Work and Family VISA Application Method and Requirements

Stepping into a new life in the United Kingdom is more than just a career opportunity—it’s an adventure for you and your family in one of the world’s most vibrant and historically rich nations. The UK, with its strong economy and multicultural environment, isn’t just about landing a great job—it’s about creating a fulfilling life for your family in a country that blends tradition with modernity.

Envision this: you, embarking on a rewarding career path in a land where iconic landmarks and bustling cities coexist, while your family explores the diverse cultures and educational opportunities that the UK has to offer. The UK isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place where your family can find a sense of belonging and thrive.

With competitive salaries, exceptional healthcare, and a family-friendly immigration system, the UK makes it easy for you to bring your loved ones along for this exciting journey. Ready to make the move? Let us guide you through the process of securing a UK work visa, uncover the opportunities awaiting you, and show you how to make the transition with your family by your side.

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Get ready to start a new chapter filled with endless possibilities in the United Kingdom!

You Can Apply for Work VISA With Spouse or Family VISA for UK!

The UK offers several work visa options tailored to various employment situations. Importantly, the UK government allows you to apply for your family’s visas simultaneously when you apply for your own work visa, ensuring that your loved ones can relocate with you. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a healthcare professional, or an innovator, bringing your family along is a straightforward process.

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Whereas, in another case, to bring your family along, you first need to secure a work visa. After obtaining your work visa and residing in the UK, your family members also have this another option to apply for their visas under the family reunion category.

United Kingdom is Currently Offering 5 Types of Work VISAs

The UK provides a variety of work visas depending on your employment type and qualifications:

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  • Skilled Worker Visa: Ideal for individuals with a job offer in a role that meets specific skill and salary thresholds. This is the most common route for skilled workers and allows your family to join you in the UK.
  • Global Talent Visa: Designed for highly skilled professionals in fields like science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. Recognized leaders or potential leaders can bring their families with them.
  • Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For employees of multinational companies being transferred to a UK branch. This visa supports managerial or specialized roles, enabling your family to relocate with you.
  • Health and Care Worker Visa: Specifically for qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, with job offers from the NHS or related sectors. Your family members can accompany you as you move to the UK.
  • Innovator Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to start and run an innovative business in the UK. Your endorsed business idea allows you to bring your family along to build a new life together.

Who in Your Family Can Apply for the Family Visa for the UK?

After securing your work visa, your immediate family members can apply to join you in the UK. Eligible family members include:

  • Children: Dependent children under 18 years old.
  • Spouse or Partner: Your legally married spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
  • Other Dependents: In certain circumstances, dependent adult children or other relatives may be eligible.

Eligibility Terms for UK Work Visa and Family Visa

Understanding the eligibility criteria is key to a successful application for both your work visa and your family’s visas:

1# Work Visa Eligibility

  • Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license.
  • Skill and Salary Threshold: Your job must meet certain skill levels, and you must be offered a salary that meets the threshold for the visa category.
  • English Language Proficiency: Depending on the visa type, you may need to prove your proficiency in English.
  • Financial Proof: You need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially in the UK.
  • Health Surcharge: You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application.

2# Spouse or Family Visa Eligibility

  • Relationship Proof: Documentation proving your relationship with your spouse, partner, or children (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates).
  • Financial Resources: You must show that you have sufficient income to support your family in the UK.
  • Accommodation: Proof of adequate housing for your family in the UK is required.
  • Health Surcharge: Your family members will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Application Process for UK Work Visa and Family or Spouse Visa

Let’s walk through the process of applying for both a UK work visa and a family visa:

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Step 1: Secure a Job Offer in the UK With Work visa sponsorship

Before applying for a work visa, you must secure a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor license. You can explore job opportunities on platforms such as the UK government’s official job search website (Find a Job), LinkedIn, and specialized recruitment agencies like Hays, Michael Page, and Reed.

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Step 2: Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an electronic record that confirms they are sponsoring you for the role. This CoS is required to apply for your visa.

Step 3: Apply for the Appropriate Work Visa

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With your CoS, apply for the relevant work visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Care taker visa) online through the UK government’s visa application portal https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

As part of your application, you will need to pay the visa application fee, which typically ranges from £625 to £1,423 depending on the visa type and duration. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children. The IHS grants you and your family access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.

Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment

You will be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. This information is used to create your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Step 6: Receive Your Decision

Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision on your visa. If approved, you will be issued a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.

Step 7: Bring Your Family to the UK

Once you have arrived in the UK, your family members can apply for their visas. They must provide proof of their relationship to you, financial stability, and adequate accommodation in the UK.

Step 8: Apply for Family Members’ Residence Permits

Upon arrival in the UK, your family members will need to collect their Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and complete any remaining formalities.

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Dr. Philip Morgan

(Associate Editor) Dr. Philip Morgan is a postdoctoral fellow and lead author at daadscholarship.com. He earned his Master's and Ph.D. from Stanford before pursuing research in the U.S. on a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship. Leveraging his diverse academic background, Dr. Morgan creates informative articles on scholarships, internships, and fellowships for international students. His expertise and passion empower students to achieve their academic goals through international education opportunities.

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